בְּלִיַּ֫עַל (be.liy.ya.al)
be.liy.ya.al
Belial
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun beliyyaʿal denotes worthlessness or ruin, derived from roots meaning "without" and "profit." It describes something or someone that is base, useless, and destructive. In the Old Testament, it functions as a stark label for moral corruption, often appearing in phrases like "son of Belial" to characterize individuals who are utterly unreliable and wicked.
This term appears frequently in the historical books and wisdom literature, particularly in Samuel and Proverbs. It is used to describe the contemptible behavior of King Saul’s enemies (1 Samuel 25:25) and the deceitful nature of a slanderer (Proverbs 6:12). The word carries significant weight in Deuteronomy, where it warns against those who lead others into idolatry (Deuteronomy 13:13).
Translators often render beliyyaʿal as "Belial" to preserve its specific identity as a personification of evil, though the literal sense remains "worthlessness." This usage distinguishes it from general terms for sin, emphasizing a complete lack of value and a tendency toward destruction. The concept underscores the biblical view that true wickedness is not merely a mistake but a fundamental emptiness that leads to ruin.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word beliyyaʿal describes a profound emptiness. It is not just a mistake or a momentary failure. It points to a character that lacks value and leads to ruin. When Scripture uses this term, it highlights the danger of allowing such worthlessness to take root in our hearts or communities.
We see this pattern in the life of David. In 2 Samuel 20:1, a man named Sheba is called a worthless fellow who incites division. This shows how easily destructive attitudes can spread if we do not guard against them. The biblical warning invites us to examine our own speech and actions.
Instead of seeking what is base or divisive, we are called to pursue integrity. By rejecting the spirit of beliyyaʿal, we protect our relationships and honor God. This choice brings peace and stability to our lives and those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- worthlessness16×
- <the>/ worthlessness3×
- worthless person1×
- and/ worthlessness1×
- and/ a worthless person1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ֭לִיַּעַל3×
- בְּלִיָּ֑עַל2×
- בְלִיַּעַל֮2×
- בְלִיַּ֜עַל2×
- וּ/בְלִיַּ֗עַל1×
- וּ/בְלִיַּ֕עַל1×
- הַ/בְּלִיָּֽעַל\׃1×
- הַ/בְּלִיַּ֨עַל1×
- הַ/בְּלִיַּ֜עַל1×
- בְּלִיַּ֗עַל1×
- בְּלִיַּ֔עַל1×
- בְּלִ֫יָּ֥עַל1×
Key Verses
-
I Samuel 10:27
But certain worthless fellows said, “How could this man save us?” They despised him, and brought him no tribute. But he held his peace.
This verse shows how worthless fellows actively despise leadership, creating a barrier of distrust within the community.
-
Proverbs 6:12
A worthless person, a man of iniquity, is he who walks with a perverse mouth,
Here the term describes a person whose very nature is defined by deceitful speech and perverse behavior.
-
II Samuel 20:1
There happened to be there a wicked fellow, whose name was Sheba the son of Bichri, a Benjamite; and he blew the trumpet, and said, “We have no portion in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents, Israel!”
Sheba uses this label to justify rebellion, demonstrating how worthlessness can fuel division and conflict.